Chocolate covered peanuts are a classic snack that you can easily make at home. They are perfect for parties, gifts, or just satisfying your sweet tooth. Plus, they are vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, so everyone can enjoy them.
In this blog post, I will show you how to make chocolate covered peanuts with just three ingredients and a microwave. You will also learn some tips and tricks to make them even better, such as how to temper the chocolate, how to add different flavors, and how to store them.
What You Need to Make Chocolate Covered Peanuts
To make chocolate covered peanuts, you will need the following ingredients:
- Peanuts: You can use roasted or raw peanuts, salted or unsalted, depending on your preference. I recommend using unsalted peanuts if you want to control the amount of salt in your recipe.
- Chocolate: You can use any kind of chocolate you like, such as dark, milk, or white chocolate. I prefer using dark chocolate because it has a rich flavor and less sugar. You can also use vegan or sugar-free chocolate if you have dietary restrictions.
- Coconut oil: This is optional, but it helps to thin out the chocolate and make it easier to coat the peanuts. It also adds a subtle coconut flavor and makes the chocolate more shiny and smooth.
You will also need the following equipment:
- A microwave-safe bowl: This is where you will melt the chocolate and coconut oil together.
- A baking sheet: This is where you will spread the peanuts and drizzle the chocolate over them.
- Parchment paper: This is what you will line the baking sheet with to prevent the chocolate from sticking.
- A spoon or a fork: This is what you will use to stir the chocolate and coconut oil mixture and to drizzle it over the peanuts.
- A refrigerator: This is where you will chill the chocolate covered peanuts until they are set.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Peanuts
Making chocolate covered peanuts is very easy and takes only a few minutes. Here are the steps:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the peanuts in an even layer.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate and coconut oil. Microwave for 15 seconds, then stir. Repeat until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Drizzle the chocolate over the peanuts, making sure to cover them as much as possible. You can use a spoon or a fork to do this.
- Refrigerate the baking sheet for at least 15 minutes or until the chocolate is set.
- Break apart the chocolate covered peanuts and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks to Make Chocolate Covered Peanuts Even Better
Here are some tips and tricks to make your chocolate covered peanuts even better:
- Temper the chocolate: Tempering is a process of heating and cooling the chocolate to create a stable crystalline structure. This makes the chocolate more shiny, smooth, and snappy, and prevents it from melting easily or developing white spots. To temper the chocolate, you will need a candy thermometer and follow these steps:
- Chop the chocolate into small pieces and reserve about 25% of it for later.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the remaining 75% of the chocolate in 15-second intervals, stirring after each one, until it reaches 115°F (46°C) for dark chocolate or 110°F (43°C) for milk or white chocolate.
- Add the reserved 25% of the chocolate and stir until it melts completely. This will lower the temperature of the melted chocolate and create seed crystals.
- Keep stirring until the temperature drops to 90°F (32°C) for dark chocolate or 86°F (30°C) for milk or white chocolate. The chocolate is now tempered and ready to use.
- Add different flavors: You can add different flavors to your chocolate covered peanuts by mixing in some spices, extracts, or nuts. For example, you can add some cinnamon, vanilla, or almond extract to the melted chocolate for a warm and cozy flavor. Or you can add some chopped almonds, pistachios, or walnuts to the peanuts for some extra crunch and nuttiness.
- Store them properly: You can store your chocolate covered peanuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks or in the refrigerator for up to a month. However, if you tempered the chocolate, you don’t need to refrigerate them at all. Just keep them in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
FAQs About Chocolate Covered Peanuts
Here are some frequently asked questions about chocolate covered peanuts:
A: Yes, you can use peanut butter instead of peanuts to make chocolate covered peanut butter balls. Just mix some peanut butter with powdered sugar and roll them into balls. Then, dip them in melted chocolate and refrigerate until set.
A: Yes, you can use other types of nuts instead of peanuts to make chocolate covered nuts. You can use cashews, pecans, macadamias, hazelnuts, or any nuts you like. Just follow the same steps as for chocolate covered peanuts.
A: Yes, you can make chocolate covered peanuts without a microwave by using a double boiler. A double boiler is a set of two pots that fit together, with the bottom one filled with water and the top one holding the chocolate. To use a double boiler, follow these steps:
1.Fill the bottom pot with water and bring it to a simmer over low heat.
2.Place the top pot over the bottom pot and add the chocolate and coconut oil. Make sure the water does not touch the bottom of the top pot.
3.Stir the chocolate and coconut oil until they melt and combine.
4.Proceed with the rest of the recipe as usual.
Conclusion
Chocolate covered peanuts are a delicious and easy snack that you can make at home with just three ingredients and a microwave. They are vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, and you can customize them with different flavors and nuts. They are also great for parties, gifts, or just indulging yourself.
If you want to learn more about how to make chocolate covered peanuts or other chocolate recipes, check out this link for more ideas and inspiration.
I hope you enjoyed this blog post and found it helpful. If you did, please share it with your friends and family and leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you!
Related Link: Chocolate covered peanut